Mayor and community group concerned about the potential impact of motorcycle convoy

Earlier this week, the Ottawa Police Service (OPS) addressed their plans to combat the Rolling Thunder convoy that is scheduled for this weekend, which includes heightened security and additional policing resources in the downtown core. 

However, the Community Solidarity Ottawa group, which opposes the convoy, is raising concerns that this weekend's convoy could pose a threat to public safety specifically for Centretown residents. Brian Letour, a representative from the group, spoke with The Sam Laprade Show on Tuesday, April 26, saying community safety remains the group's top priority.

“So, we are still concerned,” he explained. “We're still trying to make plans to keep our community safe, not just the area inside the kind of red-zone that the police identified but also the surrounding areas of Centretown and Vanier area as well.” 

Letour explains that he came across convoy groups nearly a month ago and says it was only in recent weeks that he saw how the convoy could potentially impact community safety, similar to the so-called “freedom” convoy that took place this past winter. 

“We don't want them here, we don't want them in our communities,” he said. “This upcoming weekend is going to be test because the Ottawa police lost a lot of trust during the original occupation.” 

On Tuesday, April 26, Mayor Jim Watson also addressed the convoy and said he has met with City of Ottawa officials and the interim police chief Steve Bell about the plan to combat the weekend's events.

“I have confidence in the plan that they've put together as well as the personnel that they have called upon to enforce the law in the City of Ottawa,” he said. “People have the right to demonstrate but they don't have the right to take over and hold hostage the City and the people of Ottawa.” 

As part of their plan, the OPS says that they will enforce ticketing and towing for vehicles attempting to enter blocked areas of the downtown core. It is not clear how many motorcycles or groups will make their way into Ottawa, but Mayor Watson says it might not just be one single group. 

“I cannot guarantee there will not be some challenges because this group is not one unified voice, it seems to be many different voices that have grievances,” he said. “They're going to have to follow the law and they will be penalized, whether it'd be through tickets or towing, if they refuse to follow the law.” 

Letour also echoed that similar message saying he's concerned about the size of the convoy, but adds that in the coming days, the group plans to send out additional information and resources for the community.

You can listen to Brian Letour's full conversation with The Sam Laprade Show here: